2. analog
  3. 1248625946

phono preamp crackling

i recently added analog to my system and i'm having a problem. my phono preamp will often emit crackling noises. this occurs even when i take the stylus off the record--the crackling will continue.

i've tried locating the preamp in different locations--above the turntable (very bad), below the turntable (better but not good) and as far from my integrated amp as i can, which isn't too far, about 1.5 feet above the amp. the impedence and gain settings on the preamp are at the recommended level for my MM cartridge.

if location of the phono preamp is the problem then i'm in trouble, as i don't have many options for where to put it.

the phono preamp is connected to my integrated amp using balanced cables. the system is: marantz 15s1 tt, ps audio gcph phono preamp and cambridge audio 840v2 integrated.

any suggestions on what to do or what the problem might be?

thanks!
tanglewood
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,064 posts
 
He has a PS Audio phono stage that is solid state, not tube. I would suspect maybe a high level of static electricity build-up somewhere around his system. Try a product called "Anti-Shock". It is a spray that reduces static. Spray on carpet and/or rugs that are close to the equipment. You could also try a air purifier/ion device.
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
Could it be static electricity? Try a zerostat gun on your albums.
newbee
4,775 posts
 
OK I'm a dump shit with a strong preferences! :-)

That said, have you tried disconnecting the IC's from your TT (cartridge) to the phono stage? If not try that, leaving the IC's to the pre-amp in place and seeif that changes anything. The phono stage might be fine but the IC's from the TT/cartridge to the phono stage could be the ones picking up stray magnetic fields, as opposed to the IC's from the phono stage to the pre-amp.
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
664 posts
 
without hearing it, i would guess static as well. i've taken records off the platter before and holding them 3 feet away from the needle will still cause static noise/popping through my speakers.
tanglewood OP
43 posts
 
first, thank you for the replies.

to photon46, yes it seemed that when i placed the phono preamp in different locations relative to the TT that the freq of the crackling noises would change. i'm no sure now however, read on.

to audiofeil, if it is excessive gain in the system, what am i to do? i am new at this.

i just played about 1.5 hours of vinyl. for three sides worth of music i had no problems. then the crackling started. i moved the phono interconnects back and forth but that didn't produce any effects.

i put back on the first record, i.e. the one where i was having no crackling, but now there is crackling, so it's not the records.

maybe it is a build-up of static electricity. however, i have no carpet nearby (wood floors). also, the humidity here is 65% today which is enough to deter static electricity, though perhaps not enough when playing vinyl. i don't have a zerostat gun so i haven't tried that. another $100!

also, i have not been using the mat that comes with the TT, i've been placing the record directly on the platter with no mat. seems like this would make for less static, but i really don't know. i guess i could try the mat, but then i have to readjust the tonearm height.

as for the IC's from the TT to phono preamp, i assume they are shielded. the ic's came with the TT (marantz 15s1). the owners manual didn't say one way or the other about shielding.

thanks again.
More to discover